No title c. 1982 - 1985

Al Taylor made this untitled painting on a magazine page, using ink and gouache. I love the way he fearlessly lays down these graphic lines, almost like a playful construction site plan. The colors are so grounded – browns, blacks, whites and a touch of pink – that create a kind of harmony. Look closely, and you'll see how the black lines have this liquid quality, like ink bleeding into the paper. Then there are the opaque, chalky whites, almost fighting for space. See how this one, almost accidental pink line appears to act as a counterpoint? It’s a reminder that making art is a conversation, a push and pull. This reminds me a little of some of Richard Tuttle's playful investigations into form and space. It’s like Taylor is saying, "Let's see what happens if I just let these lines dance on the page." It’s that spirit of experimentation that I find so inspiring.